Mental health agency offers seven ways to cope with crisis anxiety

The Agency for Societal Security and Psykiatrifonden, a mental health organisation, have issued seven recommendations for maintaining mental wellbeing in a world marked by war, natural disasters and accidents, DR reports.

“Just as we prepare with food, water and lighting in case a crisis occurs, it is important that society also prepares mentally,” said Marianne Skjold, director of Psykiatrifonden.

The recommendations are part of the agency’s broader work to strengthen resilience during crises. It says resilience involves more than being able to manage with supplies such as food and water. It also means taking care of ourselves and one another.

Accept worries and limit them

It is normal to feel worried, afraid or powerless in an unsettled world. The advice is not to eliminate these feelings, but to give them an appropriate place.

People are encouraged to share their worries with others, write them down and set aside a limited amount of time for them, since not every concern can be resolved.

Focus on what you can influence

Individuals cannot stop wars or natural disasters from dominating the world around them. The agency says it can help to distinguish between what can be changed and what cannot be controlled.

People can instead support a cause, help others or create a sense of security in their own daily lives.

Maintain routines, sleep, diet and exercise

Uncertainty can make it difficult to maintain an overview of everyday life. A regular daily rhythm can make it easier to cope when everything else feels unpredictable, the agency says.

Sleep, a healthy diet and daily movement can also strengthen mental wellbeing.

Limit your news intake

Although it is important to stay informed, constant exposure to news can cause unease, stress and a sense of powerlessness.

The agency recommends being more conscious of how much news you consume and which media you use. It also advises taking breaks when negative news becomes overwhelming.

Nurture your relationships

People become more resilient when they stand together with others, according to the agency. It recommends talking with family, friends and colleagues about what is affecting them, while also taking an interest in how others are feeling.

Community can provide support and hope.

Do something meaningful

Mental wellbeing is closely linked to a sense of meaning and purpose. The agency recommends making time for activities that bring joy, allow people to contribute or develop, or help them make a difference.

This can happen in many settings, including the family, the workplace or voluntary work.

Be kind to yourself

The final recommendation is to treat yourself as you would treat a good friend. The agency says people should recognise that their reactions are normal and should not expect themselves to handle everything perfectly.

People tend to be unnecessarily hard on themselves during difficult periods, it says.